Himachal Pradesh Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi sharply criticized the opposition BJP during a contentious state assembly debate on disaster relief, targeting Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur for environmental mismanagement that worsened recent natural disasters. Speaking under Rule 67’s adjournment motion, Negi claimed that during Thakur’s tenure as chief minister from 2018 to 2022, Seraj’s forest cover declined by 23% due to illegal tree felling and unauthorized road construction, which obstructed waterways and heightened disaster risks.

The BJP walked out in protest as Negi began his speech, with leader Vipin Singh Parmar accusing the minister of using offensive language and disrespecting Thakur and disaster victims. Negi revealed that 56 cases of illegal tree felling are under investigation, further criticizing Thakur for inadequate disaster management and failing to capitalize on the BJP’s “double engine” government to secure development funds for the state.

Defending the current administration, Negi praised Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu for promptly visiting disaster-stricken Seraj and ensuring swift relief across affected regions. He accused the BJP of distributing relief selectively under its party banner, excluding Congress supporters, and demanded a white paper detailing their relief distribution. “Disaster relief is for everyone, not just one party,” Negi emphasized, questioning the BJP’s practice of collecting relief funds independently rather than contributing to the Chief Minister’s relief fund.

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Negi also highlighted the Thakur government’s failure to build a permanent campus for the Horticulture and Forestry College, forcing students into rented accommodations during the disaster. For safety, the college has since been relocated to the Atal Vidyalaya campus. He contrasted the Congress MLAs’ unified efforts to support disaster-hit communities with the BJP’s focus on “photo shoots and publicity,” accusing them of exploiting the disaster for political gain.

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